Gov’t promises more autonomy to provinces and ‘revenue sharing modality’  

Sponsored Advertisement

The review of the current Provincial Government Act is anticipated to see drastic changes that will include the enhance devolution of powers and revenue sharing modalities that accord provincial government more power and authority.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele revealed to journalists this week that the Provincial Government Act (PGA) is being reviewed and it will be brought to the parliament before the end of the year.

Manele made it clear that these proposed changes could be implemented earlier – as a precursor to the State Government System.

He confirmed that the review of the Provincial Government Act will also include the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF).

Manele further added that while GNUT is progressing the work of the Constituency Assembly or federalism and state government— it is also currently undertaking a review of the PGA with the view to increasing the delegation of powers that will offer provinces similar levels authority or autonomy anticipated in the state government.

He said that could be implemented earlier as a possible precursor to the State Government System.

“The anticipated changes would include the enhance devolution of powers and revenue sharing modalities that accord provincial government more power and authority. It is the intension of my government to complete and table this amendment bill in 2025,” said the prime minister.

On the PCDF, Manele said the PCDF modality has worked well in the last 16 years as it has enabled provincial governments to implement 1663 economic, social and infrastructure projects.

The PM said the PCDF has strengthened the capacity of the provinces, however, with the evolving (national context), the PCDF needs to be refreshed and focus on supporting development needs at the provincial level. “From this end, I am aware that the PCDF was recently reviewed and the report will be finalized soon,” he said.